How to Survive the Summer Heat at Work
The seasons change, but the office wardrobe doesn’t. It’s getting hot out, which means it’s time to tweak what you wear to the office so you’re not sitting in a pool of sweat by the time happy hour rolls around.
There’s typically a bit more flexibility in your professional clothes during the summer, but we’ll stick with the essential button-down shirt, blazer, chinos and dress shoes. Depending on where you work you may be able to fit in more polos, t-shirts, jeans and sneakers. I’ve got that luxury, but many out there need to stay consistent with the suits they rock during the fall, winter and spring.
Button-Down Shirt
Linen is your best friend this summer. It’s lightweight and breathable, with it’s only downside being its more dressed down look. Your other option is the general lightweight button-downs offered by your go-to brands. They can occasionally come in a fun pattern, which is much more acceptable in the office during the summer months.
Blazers
Pack away those wool and tweed blazers, because they will be utterly useless during any day that’s over 60 degrees. You’ll sweat through your shirt before you can even step foot in the office each morning. Stick to the following –– Unstructured, cotton or linen. Unstructured removes some unnecessary weight from the jacket. Cotton is your next step below wool and will provide a bit more breathability. Linen is the lightest and most breathable of the fabrics.
Chinos
It’s officially cuffing season. Which means it’s time to really show off those ankles. Give those pants a roll or cuff that sits no more than 1.5" above your shoe. Any more and you’ll look like you’re wearing capris. That’s not what we want. I wouldn’t recommend it with suit pants, but with jeans and chinos, you’re in the clear. Make sure not to go too skinny, it’ll keep you too warm. Slim and athletic fits will give you more room to move and breath.
Socks
I live and die by the Mack Weldon socks. They’re my absolute favorite no-show sock, and I’ve yet to find anything that is comparable to them.
They have two options –– no-show and invisible. Get ’em both.
Shoes
The loafer is the typical go-to, but a newer style that I’ve seen is guys rocking a suede derby or double-monk with a no-show sock. Suede weighs much less than leather, but the style keeps that professional look and feel.
Your business/work clothes shouldn’t be holding you back during the summer. It’s the time of year to still look great and not look like a sweaty uncomfortable, and especially unprofessional, mess.
